The WORD
today (see http://usccb.org/bible/readings/061317.cfm)
reminds me that I should always shine for God.
The gospel shows us Jesus
telling his disciples to be salt and light. In ancient times, salt was used not
only to give food taste, but mainly to preserve food. Salt is
not the main ingredient or the focus in cooking. If it was, food will be salty.
The same way, as disciples of God, we should preserve not food, but the people
God has chosen. We should preserve God’s
kingdom in whatever capacity
we can, and as we do so, the focus
should never be on ourselves and what we are doing, but on God - his greatness,
his kingdom.
All our actions should magnify and glorify God.
Jesus also tells his disciples
they are the light. Not just ordinary light, but light of the world. A lamp
does not keep light to itself. It is put on a lampstand to illuminate the
house. Again, focus is not on the light. As we work for God, as we bring light
into the world by proclaiming his kingdom and serving God, the focus should not be on our accomplishments, or
on how many people we’ve helped or brought to the faith. The focus should always be on God. As
Jesus tells them, people should see our
good deeds and glorify your heavenly father.
Nowadays,
it is not always easy to live this. We see a lot of good intentions and good
people, but once worldly accomplishments and praise get to them, they start to
lose focus on their cause. They get corrupted. They put the focus on themselves
already. We are reminded today not to let that happen. In everything we say, do
or think, and in every accomplishment and acknowledgement, we should always bring
the focus to God. We should always bring back the glory to God. We should
always shine for God.
May
we remember the words of the psalmist, and be inspired to live by it:
"lord, let your light shine on me"
Do I excel in the things that I
do? Do I give my best in what I do? For whom do I achieve and excel? Am I
working hard for God? Do I glorify God in my actions, and bring him all the
glory and fame that he rightfully deserves? Do I keep my focus on him? Do I
shine for him?
Father God,
Thank you for today.
Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for reminding me who I should
always be glorifying. Lord, I know at times I get distracted, that even if I
work for you, sometimes I want to receive recognition and affirmation on my
actions. Sorry for being weak. Sorry for being distracted. Help me Lord to
always remember that I am doing everything for you and your greater glory. Help
me focus on you and keep my eyes on you. May I never lose sight of you. May my
actions and accomplishments reflect you. Help me shine for you in everything I
do. Amen.
Blessed
day!
In
Christ,
-g-
June 13, 2017
Memorial of Saint Anthony of Padua, Priest and Doctor of the Church
Lectionary: 360
Reading 12 COR 1:18-22
As God is faithful, our word to you is not "yes" and "no."
For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was proclaimed to you by us,
Silvanus and Timothy and me,
was not "yes" and "no," but "yes" has been in him.
For however many are the promises of God, their Yes is in him;
therefore, the Amen from us also goes through him to God for glory.
But the one who gives us security with you in Christ
and who anointed us is God;
he has also put his seal upon us
and given the Spirit in our hearts as a first installment.
Responsorial PsalmPS 119:129, 130, 131, 132, 133, 135
Wonderful are your decrees;
therefore I observe them.
R. Lord, let your face shine on me.
The revelation of your words sheds light,
gives understanding to the simple.
R. Lord, let your face shine on me.
I gasp with open mouth
in my yearning for your commands.
R. Lord, let your face shine on me.
Turn to me in pity
as you turn to those who love your name.
R. Lord, let your face shine on me.
Steady my footsteps according to your promise,
and let no iniquity rule over me.
R. Lord, let your face shine on me.
Let your countenance shine upon your servant,
and teach me your statutes.
R. Lord, let your face shine on me.
AlleluiaMT 5:16
Let your light shine before others
that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
GospelMT 5:13-16
"You are the salt of the earth.
But if salt loses its taste, with what can it be seasoned?
It is no longer good for anything
but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.
You are the light of the world.
A city set on a mountain cannot be hidden.
Nor do they light a lamp and then put it under a bushel basket;
it is set on a lampstand,
where it gives light to all in the house.
Just so, your light must shine before others,
that they may see your good deeds
and glorify your heavenly Father."
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